Know the city Pune

Know the city
Pune
About the city
Fondly known as the ‘Queen of the Deccan’, Pune is situated 560 metres above sea level on
the Deccan plateau. The city, which was once the centre of power of the Maratha Empire, has
always been known for its educational facilities and prosperity. Pune is also the cultural capital
of Maharashtra. Not just that, it has a growing industrial hinterland, with information technology,
engineering and automotive companies spread across the city.
The city has made its mark as the educational epicenter of the country, winning itself the sobriquet,
‘The Oxford of the East’. Pune houses fantastic restaurants, good museums and is well known for
its surrounding hill forts which offer panoramic bird’s-eye views.
Fact file of Pune
Area
457 sq km
Literacy Rate
86.15%
Altitude
560 meters
Language
Hindi, Marathi, English
Geographical location
18.5203° N latitude
73.8567° E longitude
Important festivals
Ganesh Chaturthi, Dussera,
Diwali, Id, Christmas
Population
3,978,954
Religion
Islam, Hinduism, Christianity
Population Density
8,700/sq km
Best time to visit
June to February
Climate
Tropical Wet and Dry
Summer (April to June)
Max 43º C and Min 32º C
Monsoon (July to September)
Average Rainfall: 65.15 cm
Winter (October to March)
Max 22º C and Min 12º C
Connectivity
By Air
All commercial air carriers operate from the military airport of Pune. The airport is served
by almost all domestic carriers. Currently, international flights operate only to Dubai,
Abu Dhabi and Frankfurt. If getting a direct flight to Pune proves difficult, then taking a
flight to Mumbai and then traveling by taxi or train to Pune is a feasible option.
By Road
Pune is served by three national highways (NH) and an expressway. Being a
metropolitan city, it is well-connected by road from all major cities in Maharashtra, and
overnight bus journeys connect you to key cities such as Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Goa
and Ahmedabad.
By Rail
Pune is well linked from all major cities of India. The railway station is centrally located
in the city, with an information booth, an internet cafe and computerized ticket booking
office. Trolleys are not available, but porters can be hired to help with luggage. Licensed
porters wear a red shirt with a metallic arm-band bearing their serial numbers.
Moving within the city
The most convenient and economical means of travelling within the city are taxi services provided by
leading companies. They provide car rentals for all kinds of city taxi needs, railway station and airport
transfers. You may reach them in the following phone numbers 24x7:
Ola Cabs: +91 (020) 3355 3355
Meru Cabs: +91 (020) 4422 4422
Attractions in the city
While Pune has always been a corporate stopover, the city has its mix of potpourri and culture which
makes for interesting sight seeing. For those interested in history and architecture, Pune offers a mix
of the modern interlaced with the old.
Shaniwar Wada
Built by King Bajirao of the Maratha dynasty in 1730, Shaniwarwada
was the stately mansion originally constructed as a royal residence. A
lotus-shaped fountain and exquisite wall paintings from the Ramayana
and Mahabharata, along with intricate Mughal and Maratha
architecture make the structure a must-visit.
Timings: 11:00 am to 9:00 pm
Highlight: Light and sound show
Kelkar Museum
The Raja Dinkar Kelkar Museum is the one-man collection of
Padmashree Late Dr. D.G. Kelkar. He dedicated this collection to the
memory of his only son ‘Raja’ who died an untimely tragic death. A
collection about 21,000 priceless artifacts which mirror the everyday
life of India can be found in this museum.
Timings: 9:00 am to 6:00 pm
Highlight: Mastani Mahal - unique replica of a Peshwa queen’s palace
Parvati
Situated at a height of 2100 feet above sea level, Parvati is the one
of the most scenic locations of the city. The temples on Parvati hill
are the oldest heritage structures in Pune and reminiscent of the
Peshwa dynasty. The main temple, Devdeveshwara, is made of
blackstone and one has to climb 103 steps to get there.
Timings: 5:00 am to 8:00 pm
Highlight: Peshwa Museum
Attractions in the city
Aga Khan Palace
Aga Khan Palace was built in 1892 by Imam Sultan Muhammad
Shah Agakhan III. Mahatma Gandhi and his wife Kasturba Gandhi
were imprisoned here during the Quit India Movement in 1942.
Today, it houses a memorial to Mahatma Gandhi and visitors can
get a feel of its rich past through the stately rooms and halls.
Timings: 9:00 am to 6:00 pm
Highlight: Picture gallery and Museum
OSHO Teerth Park
A beautiful 12-acre park that has been created out of a publicly
owned former wasteland. It is dotted with picturesque surroundings
and waterfalls in the elegant style of a Japanese Zen garden. It is
not only a beautiful park but also a reflection of the simple ecological
understanding that arises in meditation.
Timings: 6:00 am to 9:00 am;
3:00 pm to 6:00 pm
Highlight: OSHO International Meditation Resort’s mini-mall (Galleria)
Sinhagad Fort
The fort is located 4300 feet above sea level, on the Sahyadri Hills.
Site of the Battle of Sinhagad in 1670, it was given natural protection
by its very steep slopes with walls and bastions constructed at only key
places. Sinhagad Fort is a popular trekking destination, and one can
enjoy a great view of the hills, rivers and dams from the top of the fort.
Timings: 9:00 am to 6:00 pm
Highlight: Khadakwasla Dam and Lake en route
Weekend getaways
Mumbai
Known as the ‘Financial Capital of India’, Mumbai is known for its fast city life. During a weekend
trip to this city, one should explore the Gateway of India, Elephanta Caves, indulge in fun activities
at the beach, taste the popular street food and shop at the popular markets.
Distance from Pune: 148 kms
How to get there: Rail / Road
Best time to visit: January to December
Mahabaleshwar
Mahabaleshwar boasts of one of the few evergreen forests in India. Together with Panchgani, it
forms a popular holiday resort, honeymoon destination and a pilgrimage site. Demographically, it is
a plateau surrounded by valleys on all sides which produces majestic views and scenic spots.
Distance from Pune: 120 kms
How to get there: Road
Best time to visit: October to June
Lonavala
One of the picturesque getaways from Pune, the natural setting of Lonavala wins the hearts of
nature lovers. The destination is popular for featuring hill stations, forts, caves, temples, lakes,
gardens and more. The lush greenery of the place also adds a magical charm to the place.
Distance from Pune: 62 kms
How to get there: Rail / Road
Best time to visit: July to February
Dapoli
Dapoli is a truly unique location in Konkan where one can experience beaches, sea forts, temples,
caves and delicious seafood. Along with water sports, dolphin rides are popular tourist attraction
and both can be availed at the Murud beach which is at a distance of 12 kms from Dapoli.
Distance from Pune: 120 kms
How to get there: Road
Best time to visit: October to February
Weekend getaways
Nashik
Nashik is a bustling township with a blend of the ancient and the modern. Scattered across the city
are numerous forts and majestic temples. The city houses the famous Sula Winery (sulawines.com)
that invites visitors to enjoy their favourite wines amidst spectacular views of the vineyards and
surrounding lakes and hills.
Distance from Pune: 288 kms
How to get there: Rail / Road
Best time to visit: October to March
Goa
Goa has the most beautiful beaches of India where one can soak the sun, experience the local
cuisine in the shacks, enjoy water-sports or set off on a dinner cruise to in the backwaters.
Historically a Portuguese outpost in India for almost 500 years, Goa reflects the influence of colonial
culture in the exquisite architecture of the churches and mansions, East-meets-West cuisine and in
the siesta-saturated beaches with white sands and sparkling waters.
Distance from Pune: 437 kms
How to get there: Rail / Road / Air
Best time to visit: October to June
Go shopping
Street markets
Mahatma Gandhi Road (MG Road)
MG Road and the adjacent East Street houses big stores alongside temporary road stalls, mostly
selling garments. Don’t miss to visit the Bombay Store for ethnic Indian souvenir and handicrafts,
PN Gadgil for traditional jewelery and Kayani Bakery (in East Street) for the famous shrewsbury biscuits.
Timings: 11:00 am to 8:30 pm (closed on Sundays and in the afternoons)
Koregaon Park Road
The area was primarily a residential area with lush greenery, but of late has been growing into a
commercial marketplace. While you are here don’t miss to buy the Osho footwear, gemstones,
silver jewelery and beautiful wooden souvenir.
Timings: 11:00 am to 8:30 pm
Malls
Pheonix Market City, Viman nagar
Phoenix Marketcity is your one stop shop for shopping, dining, movies, entertainment and much
more. The mall consists of sprawling courtyard, hypermarket, departmental, bookstore; kids play
zone, electronics and toy stores. Apart from the spa and other facilities, the mall has got stores
dedicated to art and craft, plus many more attractions.
Timings: 11:00 am to 9:00 pm
Amanora Town Center, Magarpatta
The shopping destination of Pune where the city meets to shop, eat and have a great time. It is
spread across an expanse of 1.2 million square feet. The mall has 150 stores housing over 500
national and international brands, 50 food and beverage outlets, hypermarket, multiplex, gaming
zone, and a wide choice of home and electronics.
Timings: 11:00 am to 9:00 pm
Go shopping
Traditional Indian stores
Ethnicity
This is a place where you can find everything Indian. It is a unique concept, an attempt to go back to
the Indian roots and create a niche category of ethnic and fusion wear, handicrafts, jewellery, home
décor, accessories and gifts.
Timings: 10:00 am to 10:00 pm
Store locations: Amanora Town Center Mall, Phoenix Market City Mall
The Bombay Store
The Bombay Store is the one shopping destination that comes to the customer’s mind while
looking for lifestyle products that are a perfect blend of contemporary and traditional techniques
and art forms. The broad categories that The Bombay Store offers are artifacts, home décor,
fashion accessories and wellness.
Timings: 10:00 am to 10:00 pm
Store locations: MG Road, Phoenix Market City Mall
Fabindia
Fabindia is India’s largest private platform for products that are made from traditional
techniques, skills and hand-based processes. The major portion of Fabindia’s product range
is textile based and the brand is known for garments made from hand woven and hand printed fabrics. Other items available are home products, organic food products and their range of
authentic personal care products.
Timings: 11:00 am to 8:00 pm
Store locations: Amanora Town Center Mall, Phoenix Market City Mall, Aundh
Eating out
Casual dining
Village - Soul of India, Amanora Mall
Known for vegetarian food and vibrant village-like ambiance
Phone: (020) 6726 0107 Timings: 12:30 to 3:30 pm, 7:00 to 11:00 pm
Punjab Grill, Phoenix Mall
Known for authentic North Indian and non-vegetarian cuisine
Phone: (020) 3095 0610 Timings: 11:30 am to 11:30 pm
Malaka Spice, Koregaon Park
Known for their Pan-Asian recipes handpicked from the corners of Asia
Phone: (020) 2615 1088 Timings: 12:00 to 4:00 pm, 7:00 pm to 12:00 am
Olive Bristo, Bundh Garden Road
Known for their old-style decor with an extensive Mediterranean menu
Phone: (020) 2633 8228 Timings: 12:00 to 4:00 pm, 7:00 pm to12:00 am
Lounge/Bar
The Flying Saucer Sky Bar, Viman Nagar
Open air ambience with a view of the city, serving Continental and Mediterranean cuisine
Phone: (020) 30162026 Timings: 12:00 to 4:00 pm, 7:00 pm to12:00 am
TJ’s Brew Works, Amanora Town Centre
Euro-inspired hangout known for its freshly brewed beer on the tap
Phone: (020) 30162026 Timings: 12:00 to 4:00 pm, 7:00 pm to12:00 am
Essential links
Official tourism website
Maharashtra
maharashtratourism.gov.in
Airlines (inter-city and international travel)
Travel websites
makemytrip.com
yatra.com
Railways
Online rail reservation
irctc.co.in
Indian railways
indianrail.gov.in
Newspapers
The Times of India
timesofindia.com
The Indian Express
indianexpress.com
Hospitals
Columbia Asia
22/2A, Mundhwa-Kharadi Road,
Kharadi, Pune
Phone: (020) 7129 0222
Ruby Hall Clinic
40, 16th Sassoon Road,
Agarkar Nagar, Pune
Phone: (020) 6645 5607
Changing
perspectives
Tieto Software Technologies Ltd.
Wing 1, Cluster D, EON Free Zone, MIDC Kharadi Knowledge Park,
Pune 411014, Maharashtra, India
Phone: +91 20 6730 3000
Tieto IT Services India Private Ltd.
8th Floor, ‘D’ Building, Weikfield IT Citi Info Park, Nagar Road,
Pune 411014, Maharashtra, India
Phone: +91 20 6604 2244/33
tieto.com